How Do You Redeem a Gift Card?

Gift cards can generally be redeemed at the store where they were purchased or at the website indicated on the card. Some gift cards can be used more universally, as if they were credit cards.

To redeem a gift card from a particular store, customers visit the store or its website in person. The card may indicate a particular location where the card must be used. Big box stores such as Target and Walmart issue gift cards that can be redeemed at any of their locations as well as on their websites. If the store sells products online or is an online-only marketplace, such as Amazon or iTunes, users simply navigate to the web page indicated on the card.

An iTunes Store gift card is redeemable through the iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store or Mac App Store. The Apple Store gift card is redeemable online or at an Apple brick-and-mortar store. Certain codes are redeemable through email.

Some types of cards, such as Visa gift cards, can be redeemed at any online or in-person merchant that accepts that type of card. For instance, the Visa gift card can be used at millions of places including hotels, restaurants and beauty salons and according to the company's website. Before a Visa gift card can be used online or over the phone it must be registered, which can be done by visiting the website or calling the number on the card. If the card is only valid in the United States, this will be printed on the front.